Description

Smaller and duller than the more common Emperor Dragonfly.

Dull abdomen with a black line running up the centre and blue colouration near the top.

Male: waisted abdomen; black line marking doesn’t reach the top of the abdomen.

Female: no waist; black line marking runs along the whole abdomen.

 

 

 

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Where to See

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Species GroupDragonflies
Scientific NameAnax parthenope
Status & Distribution

Annual migrant, first recorded 1996 in Gloucestershire; sightings are becoming more common, especially in England.  Breeding first proved in Cornwall in 1999; further scattered breeding sites have been identified since then.

Habitat

Breeds in ponds and small lakes and can tolerate brackish water.

Flight PeriodLesser Emperor
Adult Identification
  • Length: 71mm
  • Green eyes.
  • Brown abdomen.
  • Yellow costa (leading wing vein).
  • Dull abdomen with a black line running up the centre and blue colouration near the top.
  • Male: waisted abdomen; black line marking doesn’t reach the top of the abdomen.
  • Female: no waist; black line marking runs along the whole abdomen.
Larval Information

Same body-shape as Hawkers- long and streamlined.

Aeshna have the largest larvae: 45-56mm

Very similar to resident Emperor Dragonfly larvae but rarer; requires expert assistance for identification.

Similar Species

The more common Emperor is larger and brighter in colouration.

Vagrant Emperor has brown eyes instead of blue.